US10718456B2 - Rapid-connect coupler with vent-stop - Google Patents

Abstract

A rapid-connect coupler includes a coupler body configured to convey a fluid; a coupling head at a first end of and communicating with the coupler body, the coupling head configured to transition between a coupled configuration and a de-coupled configuration. The coupler may further include a stop apparatus configured to allow the coupling head to transition from the de-coupled configuration to the coupled configuration without obstruction, and the stop apparatus may be configured to provide a hard-stop as the coupling head transitions from the coupled configuration to the de-coupled configuration.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/928,456, filed on Oct. 30, 2015, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/426,377, filed on Mar. 21, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,194,524, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/454,696, filed on Mar. 21, 2011, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

Cold fluids at cryogenic temperatures (e.g., less than −150° C.) pose special handling problems, principally because the temperature of such fluids may quickly lower the temperature of any valve or coupling through which they flow.

When such a coupling is used to transfer a cryogenic fluid, freeze-up problems may occur if the transfer takes place in a moist or high-humidity environment. Any water within, or immediately outside of, the coupling will quickly freeze, thereby potentially impeding subsequent movement of mechanical parts within the coupling. Moreover, successive transfers from a fluid source with the same pre-chilled coupling half to mating coupling halves communicating with different receptacles at warmer ambient temperatures, have been known to result in freeze-up and leakage because of ice formation at the sealing surfaces.

These problems are present in the area of liquefied natural gas (LNG). In order for LNG to be considered as a viable alternative automotive fuel, it must be easily transferred to the vehicle in which it will be used. In addition, it may be desirable for fuel storage tanks on such vehicles be refilled as quickly as possible. This leads to the prospect of multiple quickly-successive short-duration transfers of LNG, at cryogenic temperatures, between a chilled nozzle and a warm receptacle in a potentially-moist environment.

Additionally, when de-coupling a nozzle and receptacle, there may be gas present between the connection that must be vented as de-coupling occurs. Such remainder gas may be at high pressure, and may cause a forceful de-coupling, which can result in injury to users and equipment.

For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,429,155 to Brzyski et al, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,945,477 to Lambert et al. fail to adequately address these issues. The design of both products makes them prone to freeze-up during operation and fail to provide positive protection against recoil that may occur during the de-coupling of a nozzle and a receptacle.

SUMMARY

An embodiment of the present disclosure includes a rapid-connect coupler including a coupler body configured to convey a fluid; a coupling head at a first end of and communicating with the coupler body, the coupling head configured to transition between a coupled configuration and a de-coupled configuration. The coupler may further include a stop apparatus configured to allow the coupling head to transition from the de-coupled configuration to the coupled configuration without obstruction, and the stop apparatus may be configured to provide a hard-stop as the coupling head transitions from the coupled configuration to the de-coupled configuration.

The coupling head may be further configured to take a semi-coupled configuration between the coupled configuration and the de-coupled configuration. The stop apparatus may be configured to provide the hard-stop while the coupling head is in the semi-coupled configuration. The coupling head may be configured to couple with a receptacle and communicate fluid with the receptacle when the coupling head is in the coupled configuration and the coupling head may be configured to prevent fluid communication between the receptacle and coupling head when in the de-coupled configuration.

The coupling head may be further configured to take a semi-coupled configuration between the coupled configuration and the de-coupled configuration and may be configured to be coupled to the receptacle and prevent fluid communication between the receptacle and coupling head when in the semi-coupled configuration.

The stop apparatus may be configured to provide the hard-stop while the coupling head is in the semi-coupled configuration. The coupling head may be configured to vent fluid between the coupled and semi-coupled configuration, the venting fluid released when a portion of the coupling head de-couples from the receptacle.

The stop apparatus may include a stop-release configured to release the hard-stop and allow the coupling head to transition to the de-coupled configuration. The rapid-connect coupler may include a probe assembly operable to translate within a housing barrel, and the stop apparatus may include a stop pin configured to selectively arrest translation of the probe assembly within the housing barrel and thereby generate the hard-stop.

In one embodiment a rapid-connect coupler may include a first architecture with an elongated probe assembly and a sleeve coupled to the probe assembly at a first-probe end and having a greater diameter than the probe assembly; and a second architecture with an elongated housing barrel surrounding the probe assembly, the probe slidably residing within the housing barrel, and a cage coupled to the housing barrel at a housing-barrel-first end defining a portion of a coupling orifice and slidably residing within the sleeve.

The first architecture may include one or more drive pins coupling the sleeve to the probe assembly, the drive pins extending through the housing barrel. The probe assembly, sleeve, housing barrel, and cage may share a central axis, and the first and second architecture may be configured to slidably translate parallel to the central axis relative to each other.

The sleeve may have a greater diameter than the cage, the cage may have a greater diameter than the housing barrel, and the housing barrel may have a diameter greater than the probe assembly.

The cage may include a plurality of balls configured to extend into the coupling orifice. The plurality of balls may be disposed within tapered holes. The sleeve may be configured to slide over the cage and lock the plurality of balls in a coupled configuration.

The rapid-connect coupler may include a handle assembly coupled to the first and second architecture and configured to slidably configure the first and second architecture relative to each other. The rapid-connect coupler may be configured to take a de-coupled configuration and a coupled configuration, and may further include a stop apparatus configured to allow the rapid-connect coupler to transition from the de-coupled configuration to the coupled configuration without obstruction, and configured to provide a hard-stop as the rapid-connect coupler transitions from the coupled configuration to the de-coupled configuration.

The rapid-connect coupler may be further configured to take a semi-coupled configuration between the coupled configuration and the de-coupled configuration. The stop apparatus may be configured to provide the hard-stop while the rapid-connect coupler is in the semi-coupled configuration.

One embodiment includes a method of coupling and de-coupling a rapid-connect coupler and providing a positive stop in the rapid-connect coupler, the method including: providing a rapid-connect coupler in a de-coupled configuration, the rapid-connect coupler having: a coupling head configured transition between a coupled configuration and a de-coupled configuration and a stop apparatus configured to allow the rapid-connect coupler to transition from the de-coupled configuration to the coupled configuration without obstruction, and configured to provide a hard-stop as the rapid-connect coupler transitions from the coupled configuration to the de-coupled configuration. The method may further include transitioning the rapid-connect coupler into the coupled configuration from the de-coupled position; and transitioning the rapid-connect coupler toward the de-coupled configuration from the coupled position until the stop-apparatus generates a hard-stop at a hard-stop position between the coupled configuration to the de-coupled configuration.

The method may also include actuating the stop apparatus to release the hard-stop and transitioning the rapid-connect coupler from the hard-stop position to the de-coupled position.

The method may include positioning the coupling head over a receptacle while the rapid-connect coupler is substantially in the de-coupled position where transitioning the rapid-connect coupler into the coupled configuration from the de-coupled position couples the coupling head with the receptacle. The rapid-connect coupler may be inoperable to communicate fluid out of the coupling head when in the de-coupled position, and the rapid-connect coupler may operable to communicate fluid out of the coupling head when in the coupled position.

The rapid-connect coupler may remain coupled with the receptacle in the hard-stop position. The method may also include terminating a fluid flow between the receptacle and the rapid-connect coupler as the rapid-connect coupler transitions from the coupled position to the hard-stop position.

Terminating the fluid flow between the receptacle and the rapid-connect coupler may generate a substantial force therebetween and the rapid-connect coupler may remain coupled with the receptacle in the hard-stop position which counters the force.

Terminating the fluid flow between the receptacle and the rapid-connect coupler may generate a discharge of fluid, and the method may also include waiting for the discharge of fluid to cease before actuating the stop apparatus to release the hard-stop. Actuating the stop apparatus to release the hard-stop may include actuating a hard-stop release lever. A timer may actuate the stop apparatus to release the hard-stop.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present subject matter disclosure will be described by way of exemplary embodiments but not limitations, illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like references denote similar elements, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a rapid-connect coupler in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a cross section of the rapid-connect coupler in a first configuration in accordance with the embodiment ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a cross section of the rapid-connect coupler in a second configuration in accordance with the embodiment ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a cross section of a vent-stop in accordance with the embodiment ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a cross section of a rapid-connect coupler and a male fueling receptacle in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a cross section of a rapid-connect coupler coupling head with tapered ball slots.

FIG. 7ais a front view of a rapid-connect coupler in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 7bis a side view of a rapid-connect coupler in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a cross section of a rapid-connect coupler in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a cross section of a rapid-connect coupler in a first configuration and a male fueling receptacle in accordance with the embodiment ofFIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a cross section of a rapid-connect coupler in a first configuration and a male fueling receptacle in accordance with the embodiment ofFIG. 8.

FIG. 11 is a cross section of a rapid-connect coupler in a first configuration and a male fueling receptacle in accordance with the embodiment ofFIG. 8.

FIG. 12ais a side view of a rapid-connect coupler in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 12bis a rear view of a rapid-connect coupler in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 13ais a cross section of a rapid-connect coupler in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 13bis a side view of a handle assembly in accordance with an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Illustrative embodiments presented herein include, but are not limited to, systems and methods for providing a rapid-connect gas coupler.

Various aspects of the illustrative embodiments will be described using terms commonly employed by those skilled in the art to convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein may be practiced with only some of the described aspects. For purposes of explanation, specific numbers, materials and configurations are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the illustrative embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein may be practiced without the specific details. In other instances, well-known features are omitted or simplified in order not to obscure the illustrative embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a rapid-connect coupler100 in accordance with an embodiment, which generally comprises afirst architecture110 and asecond architecture120, which are operable to move relative to each other as further described herein. Portions of the first andsecond architecture110,120 define acoupling head101 and acoupler body102. The rapid-connect coupler100 further comprises a vent-stop400, afirst handle130A, one ormore drive slots140 and asecond handle130B (FIG. 2), which are further described herein.

FIGS. 2 and 3 are a cross section of the rapid-connect coupler100 in a first and second configuration respectively, in accordance with the embodiment ofFIG. 1 which generally comprises afirst architecture110 and asecond architecture120, which are operable to move relative to each other along a central axis X. Thefirst architecture110 comprises asleeve205, one ormore drive pin210, and aprobe assembly215, which includes acoupling end220. The one ormore drive pin210 extends though arespective drive slot140 defined by a portion of thesecond architecture120.

Thesecond architecture120 comprises aball cage225, which defines acoupling orifice230 and includes one ormore ball245. Within thecoupling orifice230 resides afemale poppet assembly235, which is biased by apoppet assembly spring280, and thefemale poppet assembly235 further comprises aretainer240, and sealassembly260. Thesecond architecture120 further comprises one or more guide pins250, and ahousing barrel255. In an embodiment, the one or more guide pins250 may be operable to provide a positive guide thesecond architecture120 about thefemale poppet assembly235. Additionally, in an embodiment, thesecond architecture120 or portions thereof may be removable, and may be configured for easy and swift removal and replacement, which may be required due to damage or maintenance needs.

The first andsecond handle130A,130B are rotatably coupled to thehousing barrel255, via a first andsecond barrel flange270A,270B respectively. Additionally, a first andsecond link assembly275A,275B are rotatably attached to the first andsecond handle130A,130B respectively. A first andsecond link assembly275A,275B are rotatably attached to theprobe assembly215.

The first andsecond handle130A,130B are operable to rotate about the first andsecond barrel flange270A,270B respectively over a range of motion including configurations A, B, and C, which are depicted inFIG. 2.FIG. 3 depicts the rapid-connect coupler100 in configuration B. In some embodiments, these configurations may be a de-coupled configuration A, a coupled configuration B, and a semi-coupled configuration C.

As the first andsecond handle130A,130B rotate between the A and B configurations, for example, thefirst architecture110 and asecond architecture120 move relative to each other along the central axis X. Theprobe assembly215 translates within thehousing barrel255, and is biased by aprobe spring265. Additionally, theball cage225 is operable to translate within thesleeve205. For example,FIG. 2 depicts theball cage225 extending substantially past thesleeve205, whereasFIG. 3 depicts theball cage225 extending only partially past thesleeve205.

Additionally,FIG. 2 depicts theball cage225 extending substantially past thefemale poppet assembly235, whereasFIG. 3 depicts theball cage225 extending only partially past thefemale poppet assembly235. Accordingly, the volume of thecoupling orifice230 is depicted as being greater inFIG. 2 compared toFIG. 3. Theball cage225 andsleeve205 may define a portion of thecoupling head101.

As depicted in, for example,FIGS. 1-3 and 5, thesleeve205 may have a greater diameter than theprobe assembly215 and be coupled thereto via one or more driving pins210, which extend through slots140 (FIG. 1) in thehousing barrel120. Theprobe assembly215 may be slidably disposed within thehousing barrel120, and therefore theprobe assembly215 may have a smaller diameter than thehousing barrel120 and may have a smaller diameter than thesleeve205. Theball cage225 may have a greater diameter than thehousing barrel255 and be coupled thereto via guide pins250.

Such a configuration may be desirable because user exposure to moving parts and pinch-points may be reduced in addition to allowing for a reduced profile of thecoupler100. For example, thehousing barrel255 may cover moving parts associated with the probe assembly.

As discussed further herein, and referring toFIG. 5, the rapid-connect coupler100 is operable to couple with amale fueling receptacle500. For example, the rapid-connect coupler100 is placed on themale fueling receptacle500 while in configuration A, and then transitioned into configuration B, to lock the rapid-connect coupler100 on themale fueling receptacle500, and then returned to configuration A to release the rapid-connect coupler100 from themale fueling receptacle500. As the rapid-connect coupler100 is released from themale fueling receptacle500, gas (e.g. liquid natural gas), may vent from the rapid-connect coupler100 as the connection with themale fueling receptacle500 is broken. For example, venting may occur as thepoppets540,235 disengage.

In some embodiments, it may be desirable to allow the rapid-connect coupler100 to vent before the rapid-connect coupler100 is fully disengaged from themale fueling receptacle500 because venting may generate a substantial force that could propel the rapid-connect coupler100 toward a user or the like. Therefore, in an embodiment, the rapid-connect coupler100 may be operable to generate a positive stop, which allows the rapid-connect coupler100 to vent before it is fully disengaged from themale fueling receptacle500. Venting before fully disengaging may be desirable because force generated by venting fluid could cause thecoupler100 to recoil and harm an operator if thecoupler100 did not remain coupled to thereceptacle500 to absorb the force and prevent recoil of thecoupler100.

Additionally, should thepoppets540,235 fail to properly disengage and prevent respective fluid flow from thecoupler100 andreceptacle500, having thecoupler100 remain coupled to thereceptacle500 provides an operator the opportunity to re-engage thepoppets540,235 by moving thecoupler100 into the coupled configuration B, stop undesired fluid release, and address issues with thepoppets540,235 without continued release of fluid from one or both of thecoupler100 andreceptacle500.

Again referring toFIG. 2, as thehandles130A,130B are pulled back from configuration B toward configuration A, the rapid-connect coupler100 may be operable to generate a positive stop of thehandles130A,130B at configuration C, which may allow the rapid-connect coupler100 to vent while in configuration C before returning to configuration A, where the rapid-connect coupler100 may be released from themale fueling receptacle500. Accordingly, in an embodiment, the rapid-connect coupler100 may remain substantially coupled to themale fueling receptacle500 while in configuration C, but allow the rapid-connect coupler100 to vent.

In one embodiment, the rapid-connect coupler100 may be operable to generate a positive stop via a vent-stop400 (FIGS. 1 and 4). Referring toFIG. 4, in an embodiment, the vent-stop400 may comprise astop housing410, in which holds astop pin415. Thestop pin415 may be operable to generate a positive stop at configuration C, and the rapid-connect coupler100 may then be allowed to take configuration A by depressingstop lever420, which is biased by astop spring425. For example, in an embodiment, the vent-stop400 may be operable to arrest translation of theprobe assembly215 within thehousing barrel255 at configuration C.

FIG. 4 also depicts a plurality of guide pins that extend through thehousing barrel255 that are configured to guide and stabilize theprobe assembly215 within thehousing barrel255. In an embodiment, guide pins may be desirable because they may provide for simple maintenance and alignment of theprobe assembly215.

In some embodiments, the rapid-connect coupler100 may be operable to move from configuration A to configuration B, without a positive stop at configuration C, but be operable to have a positive stop at configuration C when moving from configuration B to configuration A. However, in some embodiments, a positive stop may occur when moving from configuration B to configuration A and vice versa.

FIG. 5 is a cross section of a rapid-connect coupler100 and amale fueling receptacle500 in accordance with an embodiment, which are aligned at a central axis X. Themale fueling receptacle500 comprises amale coupling body510, which includes alip520, and arecess525 behind thelip520. Themale coupling body510 defines amale poppet orifice530. Amale poppet assembly540 is disposed within thepoppet orifice530.

As discussed herein, the rapid-connect coupler100 may be operable to couple with themale fueling receptacle500. For example, the rapid-connect coupler100 may be placed on themale fueling receptacle500 while in configuration A, put into configuration B to lock the rapid-connect coupler100 on themale fueling receptacle500, and then returned to configuration A to release the rapid-connect coupler100 from themale fueling receptacle500.

For example, referring toFIG. 5, themale coupling body510 is operable to be slidably received within thefemale coupling orifice230, and thefemale poppet assembly235 is operable to be slidably received within themale poppet orifice530 such that thefemale poppet assembly235 bears against themale poppet assembly540.

As themale coupling body510 is received within thefemale coupling orifice230, and when the rapid-connect coupler100 is in configuration A, as depicted inFIGS. 2 and 5, thelip520 is operable to push the one ormore balls245 outward, and thereby allow thelip520 to pass past theballs245. Theballs245 may then be able to fall into or be forced into therecess525 behind thelip520.

For example, the rapid-connect coupler100 may then move to configuration B as shown inFIG. 3, which causes thesleeve205 to slide over theballs245, which pushes theballs245 into therecess525 behind thelip520 and then locks theballs245 in a position wherein theballs245 extend into thefemale coupling orifice230 in therecess525 of themale coupling body510. Accordingly, themale coupling body510 may locked within thefemale coupling orifice230.

Additionally, in such a configuration the male andfemale poppet540,235 may be operable to allow fluid (e.g., liquid natural gas) to pass from the rapid-connect coupler100 intomale coupling body510. Also, the sealingassembly260 may be operable to provide a seal by bearing against the interior surface of themale coupling body510 within themale poppet orifice530. In an embodiment the sealingassembly260 may be a two piece seal with an energizing spring.

The coupled rapid-connect coupler100 andmale coupling body510 may be allowed to vent by moving the rapid-connect coupler100 to configuration C (FIG. 2), which may retract thesleeve205 such that theballs245 are able to partially retract and allow the male andfemale poppet540,235 to disengage, and allow remaining gas from the connection to escape, while still locking themale coupling body510 within thefemale coupling orifice230 via theballs245 partially residing within therecess525.

A user may actuate the vent stop400 to allow thesleeve205 to fully retract, and thereby allow theballs245 to movably reside within thesleeve205 such that thelip520 of themale coupling body510 is allowed to pass past theballs245, and thereby allows themale coupling body510 to leave thefemale coupling orifice230.

In various embodiments,balls245 within thesleeve205 may be desirable. For example, theballs245 allow themale coupling body510 to be guided and rolled into thefemale coupling orifice230; the spherical shape of theballs245 prevents catching of themale coupling body510 as it passed theballs245; and theballs245 tend to release ice more efficiently, which forms when cold temperatures are present (e.g., when using a cooled gas such as liquid natural gas or in cold environmental conditions).

Additionally, in some embodiments as depicted inFIG. 6, it may be desirable for theballs245 to be disposed within a taperedslot610A,610B, which is defined by atapered wall620A,620B. For example, taperedslots610A,610B may be concave toward the external and internal portions of theball cage225.Tapered slots610A,610B may be desirable because thetapered slots610A,610B tend to release ice more efficiently, which may form within the taperedslots610A,610B when cold temperatures are present (e.g., when using a cooled gas such as liquid natural gas or in cold environmental conditions). The taperedwalls620A,620B may be various configurations and types of tapers, including linear tapers or curved tapers, and the entirety of thetapered slots610A,610B may or may not include a taper.

FIGS. 7aand7bare a front and side view of a rapid-connect coupler700 in accordance with another embodiment.FIG. 8 is a cross section of the rapid-connect coupler700.FIGS. 9-11 depict the rapid-connect coupler700 coupling with areceptacle500 in a first, second and third configuration respectively.

The rapid-connect coupler700 generally comprises afirst architecture710 and asecond architecture720, which are operable to move relative to each other along a central axis X. Thefirst architecture710 comprises asleeve805, one ormore drive assembly810, and aprobe assembly815, which includes acoupling end820. Portions of the first andsecond architecture710,720 define acoupling head701 and acoupler body702.

Thesecond architecture720 comprises acage725, which defines acoupling orifice830. Afemale poppet assembly835 resides within thecoupling orifice830. In an embodiment, thesecond architecture120 or portions thereof may be removable, and may be configured for easy and swift removal and replacement, which may be required due to damage or maintenance needs. Theball cage725 andsleeve825 may define a portion of thecoupling head701.

One ormore handle740 may be coupled to thesecond architecture720, which is configured to move thesleeve825 andpoppet assembly815 via atrigger730,link assembly885, andlink bar890. Thecoupler700 is configured to move over a range of motion including configurations,2B,2C and2A which are depicted inFIGS. 9, 10 and 11 respectively. In some embodiments, these configurations may be a de-coupled configuration2A, a coupledconfiguration2B, and asemi-coupled configuration2C.

For example,FIG. 9 depicts thecoupler700 coupled to areceptacle500 whereincomplementary poppets540,835 engage to allow fluid to flow or communicate between thereceptacle500 and thecoupler700. Thecoupler700 couples with thereceptacle500 by abiased latch845 hooking with acomplementary lip520 on thereceptacle500. Thelatch845 is held in place by thesleeve805, which moves forward from a de-coupled position2A to the coupledposition2B.

FIG. 10 depicts the coupler in asemi-coupled position2C, wherein thesleeve805 partially retracts along with thepoppet835 andprobe assembly815. Thesleeve805 holds thelatch845 down such that the latch545 remains hooked with thelip520 and thecoupler700 remains coupled with thereceptacle500. However, thedisengaged poppets540,835 prevent fluid from flowing or communicating between or from thecoupler700 andreceptacle500.

As thepoppets540,835 disengage as thecoupler700 moves from coupledconfiguration2B tosemi-coupled configuration2C, fluid may be released. The venting fluid may generate a repulsive force between thecoupler700 and thereceptacle500, which may be opposed by the connection between thecoupler700 and thereceptacle500. This may be desirable in various embodiments because thecoupler700 is allowed to safely vent before de-coupling from thereceptacle500, which may prevent injury to an operator as thecoupler700 recoils when thepoppets540,835 disengage.

Thecoupler700 may the move fromsemi-coupled configuration2C to de-coupled configuration2A as depicted inFIG. 11. Thesleeve805 further retracts, which causes thelatch845 to rotate upward and away from thereceptacle500. Thelatch845 thereby disengages from thelip520, which allows thecoupler700 to disengage and de-couple from thereceptacle500. Thecoupler700 may then be coupled to thereceptacle500 by positioning thecoupling orifice830 over thereceptacle500.

Thecoupler700 may be configured by thetrigger730 and transitioned between the de-coupled, coupled andsemi-coupled configurations2A,2B,2C. For example, thetrigger730 may be depressed so that thecoupler700 takes the de-coupled position2A as depicted inFIG. 11.

Thecoupler700 may then be positioned on thereceptacle500 and thetrigger730 may be released so that thesleeve805 slides over thelatch845, which rotates thelatch845 down to engage thelip520, which couples thecoupler700 and thereceptacle500. Thecoupler700 is then in the coupledposition2B. Positioning thecoupler700 over thereceptacle500 causes thepoppets540,835 to engage and allow fluid to flow between thecoupler700 and thereceptacle500.

Thetrigger730 may then be partially depressed so that thecoupler700 transitions to thesemi-coupled configuration2C. In various embodiments, a hard-stop is generated as thecoupler700 transitions from the coupledconfiguration2B to thesemi-coupled configuration2C, which provides time for thecoupler700 to vent before thecoupler700 transitions to the de-coupled position2A. In some embodiments, the hard-stop may be generated by a stop-apparatus400 or other apparatus. For example, one or more of thetrigger730,link assembly885, andlink bar890 may be configured to provide a hard-stop. The hard-stop may be released and thecoupler700 may then be transitioned from thesemi-coupled configuration2C to the de-coupled position2A.

FIG. 12ais a side view of a rapid-connect coupler1200 in accordance with another embodiment;FIG. 12bis a rear view of the rapid-connect coupler1200; andFIG. 13ais a cross section of the rapid-connect coupler1200.

The rapid-connect coupler1200 generally comprises afirst architecture1210 and asecond architecture1220, which are operable to move relative to each other along a central axis X. Thefirst architecture1210 comprises asleeve1205, one ormore drive pin1310, and aprobe assembly1315, which includes acoupling end1220. Portions of the first andsecond architecture1210,1220 define acoupling head1201 and acoupler body1202.

Thesecond architecture1220 comprises a ball cage1225, which defines acoupling orifice1330. A female poppet assembly1335 resides within thecoupling orifice1330. In an embodiment, thesecond architecture1220 or portions thereof may be removable, and may be configured for easy and swift removal and replacement, which may be required due to damage or maintenance needs. The ball cage1225 andsleeve1205 may define a portion of thecoupling head1201.

A pneumaticactuating handle assembly1230 may be coupled to thesecond architecture720, which is configured to move thefirst architecture1210 relative to thesecond architecture1220. For example, theactuating handle assembly1230 may be connected to theprobe assembly1315 by actuatingconnections1385A,1385B, which allows theprobe assembly1230 andsleeve1305 to be slidably configured relative to theball cage1325 andhousing1255. Thecoupler1200 may therefore be configured to move over a range of motion including configurations which may be analogous to configurations A, B and C which are depicted inFIGS. 2 and 3.

Theactuating grip1275 may be rotated between a first and second position, which causes the pneumaticactuating handle assembly1230 to move the first andsecond architectures1210,1220 toward or away from each other. For example,coupler1200 may be in a de-coupled configuration as depicted inFIG. 13a, (which may be analogous to configurations A,2A). Theactuating grip1275 may be rotated to a second position and thesleeve1305 may slide forward overballs1345 disposed within theball cage1325. This may lock theballs1345 in a position which is operable to couple thecoupler1200 to areceptacle500 as described herein.

Complementary poppets1335,540 in areceptacle500 and thecoupler1200 may engage and allow fluid to flow between thereceptacle500 and thecoupler1200 as described herein. Thecoupler1200 may then be in a coupled position, (which may be analogous to configurations B,2B).

Theactuating grip1275 may be rotated back toward or to the first position which causes thesleeve1305 and poppet1335 to move backward toward the rear of thecoupler1200. As the coupler is moving from the coupled position toward the de-coupled position, a hard-stop may be generated, which stops the translation of theprobe assembly1315 within thehousing1255.

For example, as shown inFIG. 12a, astop handle1240 may extend within thehousing1255 and be rotatably biased via apin1246 and a handle-spring1248. The stop handle1240 may further include astop head1242 which is configured to engage with aprobe notch1244. In various embodiments, thestop handle1240 may be configured to allow thecoupler1200 to move from the de-coupled position to the coupled position without obstruction; however, as thecoupler1200 moves from the coupled position back toward the de-coupled position, thestop head1242 may engage theprobe notch1244 and thereby create a hard-stop in a semi-coupled position (which may be analogous to configurations C,2C).

As discussed herein, a semi-coupled configuration may be a configuration, where thecoupler1200 is configured to remain coupled to areceptacle500 ascomplementary poppets1335,540 in thereceptacle500 and thecoupler1200 disengage. Recoil of thecoupler1200 caused by the discharge of fluid between thepoppets1335,540, may be absorbed by the sustained coupling of thecoupler1200 andreceptacle500.

The hard-stop may be disengaged by pulling on thestop handle1240 to rotate thestop head1242 out of theprobe notch1244. Thecoupler1200 may then transition into the de-coupled position. Transitioning of thecoupler1200 into the de-coupled position may occur once the hard-stop is released or may be achieved by rotating theactuating grip1275.

Various embodiments discussed herein include elements or structures which are configured to provide a hard-stop incoupler100,700,1200. Further embodiments, and the embodiments discussed herein may include various alternative structures or elements operable to provide a hard-stop. For example, a hard-stop may be achieved via one or more of a hook, hole, slot, shoulder, latch, brake, or the like. Such structures or elements may be internal or externally located and may generate a hard-stop which may be released in various ways. For example, a hard-stop may be released by a user actuating a handle, switch, button or the like. In some embodiments a hard-stop may be released by a timer, which may be electronic or mechanical. In some embodiments, a hard-stop may be automatically released or prevented from being released until defined conditions are present. For example, a hard-stop may be maintained until fluid venting has ceased. Sensors, electronic or mechanical, may determine whether fluid venting has ceased.

Additionally, various structures or elements have been disclosed herein which are operable to selectively couple acoupler100,700,1200 with a receptacle500 (e.g., via a receptacle lip520). Althoughballs245,1345 and alatch845 are disclosed as being operable for such a coupling, various other suitable structures may be employed in various embodiments and the embodiments discussed herein. For example, a coupling may be achieved via one or more of a hook, hole, slot, shoulder, latch, brake, or the like.

Additionally, while embodiments of acoupler100,700,1200 are disclosed herein as being configured to couple withreceptacle500, various embodiments may be adapted to coupled with a receptacle having other configurations. For example, various embodiments may relate to coupling with male and female receptacles and receptacles having holes, slots, lips, shoulders or threads both internally or externally.

Additionally, although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art and others, that a wide variety of alternate and/or equivalent implementations may be substituted for the specific embodiment shown and described without departing from the scope of the embodiments described herein. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the embodiment discussed herein. While various embodiments have been illustrated and described, as noted above, many changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the embodiments described herein.

Claims (19)

What is claimed is:

1. A rapid-connect coupler comprising:

a first architecture comprising a probe assembly and a sleeve engaged to the probe assembly;

a second architecture comprising a cage disposed about the probe assembly and slidably disposed within the sleeve such that the sleeve slides over the cage to selectively move the cage between a coupled configuration and a decoupled configuration; and

a spring-loaded vent-stop engaged to the second architecture to catch the probe assembly at a venting configuration as the probe assembly moves relative to the second architecture.

2. The rapid-connect coupler ofclaim 1, wherein:

the second architecture further comprises a housing barrel engaged to the cage and disposed about the probe assembly; and

the sleeve is engaged to the probe assembly via one or more drive pins, and the one or more drive pins extend through the housing barrel.

3. The rapid-connect coupler ofclaim 1, wherein the sleeve is engaged to the probe assembly via a link bar disposed outside the cage.

4. The rapid-connect coupler ofclaim 3, further comprising:

a handle engaged to the cage; and

a trigger engaged to the link bar and rotatably engaged to the handle, wherein the sleeve translates relative to the cage when the trigger rotates relative to the handle.

5. The rapid-connect coupler ofclaim 1, wherein the cage defines a plurality of openings and comprises a plurality of balls configured to move radially relative to the cage in the plurality of openings.

6. The rapid-connect coupler ofclaim 5, wherein the plurality of openings are tapered holes.

7. The rapid-connect coupler ofclaim 5, wherein the sleeve is configured to slide over the cage and to push the plurality of balls radially inwardly when the cage is in the coupled configuration.

8. The rapid-connect coupler ofclaim 1, further comprising a handle assembly coupled to the first and second architecture and configured to slidably translate the first and second architecture relative to each other.

9. The rapid-connect coupler ofclaim 1, wherein the vent-stop is configured to allow the cage to transition from the decoupled configuration to the coupled configuration without obstruction, and provide a hard-stop at the venting configuration as the cage transitions from the coupled configuration to the decoupled configuration.

10. The rapid-connect coupler ofclaim 9, wherein the venting configuration is a semi-coupled position between the coupled configuration and the decoupled configuration.

11. The rapid-connect coupler ofclaim 9, wherein the probe assembly comprises a notch, and the vent-stop engages the notch to catch the probe assembly at the venting configuration.

12. A rapid connect coupler comprising:

a probe assembly;

a sleeve engaged to the probe assembly; and

a cage including a latch, the cage being slidably disposed about the probe assembly and slidably disposed within the sleeve such that the sleeve moves the latch between a coupled configuration and a decoupled configuration as the sleeve slides over the latch, wherein the probe assembly is configured to take a venting configuration while the sleeve holds the latch in the coupled configuration; and

a spring-loaded vent-stop engaged to the cage to catch the probe assembly at the venting configuration as the probe assembly moves relative to the cage.

13. The rapid connect coupler ofclaim 12, wherein:

the sleeve slides along the cage between a coupled position and a decoupled position; and

the sleeve pushes a hooked end of the latch radially inwardly toward the probe assembly as the sleeve slides from the decoupled position to the coupled position to move the latch to the coupled configuration.

14. A rapid connect coupler comprising:

a probe assembly;

a sleeve engaged to the probe assembly; and

a cage including a latch, the cage being slidably disposed about the probe assembly and slidably disposed within the sleeve such that the sleeve moves the latch between a coupled configuration and a decoupled configuration as the sleeve slides over the latch, wherein:

the sleeve slides along the cage between a coupled position, a venting position, and a decoupled position, and the venting position is between the coupled position and the decoupled position; and

the sleeve pushes a biased end of the latch radially inwardly toward the probe assembly as the sleeve slides from the venting position to the decoupled position to move the latch to the decoupled configuration.

15. A rapid connect coupler comprising:

a probe assembly;

a sleeve engaged to the probe assembly;

a housing disposed about the probe assembly;

a ball cage including a plurality of balls, the ball cage being engaged to the housing and slidably disposed within the sleeve such that the sleeve selectively radially compresses the plurality of balls as the sleeve slides over the ball cage; and

a spring-loaded stop handle rotatably engaged with the housing to catch the probe assembly and the sleeve at a venting position as the probe assembly moves relative to the ball cage.

16. The rapid connect coupler ofclaim 15, wherein the probe assembly comprises a notch and the stop handle comprises a stop head, and the stop head engages the notch to catch the probe assembly at the venting position.

17. The rapid connect coupler ofclaim 15, wherein:

the probe assembly moves between a coupled position and a decoupled position relative to the ball cage;

the venting position is between the coupled position and the decoupled position;

the stop handle catches the probe assembly at the venting position as the probe assembly moves from the coupled position to the decoupled position; and

the probe assembly moves freely from the decoupled position to the coupled position.

18. The rapid connect coupler ofclaim 15, wherein:

the stop handle further comprises a pin and a handle-spring;

the stop handle rotates relative to the housing via the pin; and

the handle-spring engages the housing to axially urge the stop handle toward the ball cage.

19. The rapid connect coupler ofclaim 15, wherein the probe assembly is pneumatically actuated to slide the sleeve along the ball cage from a decoupled position to a coupled position, from the coupled position to the venting position, and from the venting position to the decoupled position.

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